Laser Therapy Treatments For Chronic Pain

By Author: Sheila Baxter
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"LASER" is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.

There are two classifications of lasers - High Power (hot) and Low Level (cold or soft) lasers. Then there are sub-classifications into the strength and type of laser. The difference is based on the optical energy of the device.

Hot lasers are capable of causing thermal changes in tissue. Most people are aware of these lasers, which are used for eye surgery, tattoos, hair removal and skin treatments.

Low Level Lasers (or LLL) are not capable of causing thermal changes in tissue.
They are commonly used in concerts as light shows, as scanners in grocery stores, for surveying and for several medical conditions.

History of Light Therapy
The therapeutic benefits of using light on the body have been documented for centuries. The ancient Egyptians built special rooms in which to take baths in the sunlight. In 440 B.C. Hippocrates was the first physician to practise ‘light therapy’. As part of his treatment, the sick were placed in an open balcony to take advantage of the healing ...
... effects of the sunlight.
History of Lasers

The discovery of laser in 1960 opened new prospects for the medical use of light. B y 1967 Dr. Endre Mester, the Father of Laser Therapy, had conducted many studies on the use of laser for collagen synthesis and wound healing, with significant results. This technology has been used extensively throughout Europe and Canada since 1985. However, it was not until 2002 that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of low-powered lasers in the United States.

Low Level Laser Therapy for Chronic Pain

During a laser treatment a low-level laser light is applied to specific areas of the body.
The patient only feels a minor tingling or pulsating sensation. The treatment helps to reduce pain and accelerate healing.

This type of laser can be used on nerve, cartilage and muscle cells. There have been thousands of clinical studies that demonstrate the value of laser therapy for the treatment for virtually any type of chronic pain. Since 1971 several hundred papers have been published in over a dozen countries on the physiological advantages of low power laser. Clients who have undergone low-level laser therapy have had relief from neck, wrist, elbow, back, leg and knee pain, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and fibromyalgia. Low-powered laser has gained acceptance with health care practitioners throughout the world as an effective treatment for pain as well as for other medical conditions. Despite the results of numerous studies most insurance providers still consider the treatment to be "experimental and investigational."

The Technology

A low-powered laser is a handheld piece of equipment that is about the size of a flashlight. It is calibrated to emit a specific wavelength for 30 seconds or longer on the treatment area. The length of time is determined by the size of the area and the dosage from the laser unit.

Light energy penetrates layers of skin to reach the targeted area. The light energy is absorbed by the tissues, which trigger several organic responses in the cells. It stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural morphine. It suppresses the inflammatory enzymes that cause swelling, heat and pain. It stimulates the lymphatic drainage system, which in turn reduces swelling. It also enhances circulation and reduces tension in muscles. All of these responses help to reduce pain and accelerate the healing process.

Post Treatment
Most laser treatments only take a few minutes. After the first session the pain may be less intense. Each laser treatment has a lasting effect. Multiple treatment sessions usually have a cumulative effect, resulting in a marked reduction in pain. The number of sessions and the duration of the treatment depend on the degree of pain and type of laser. The schedule of treatments may be two or three times the first week and then less frequently as the pain subsidizes.

Occasionally patients have more pain after treatment due to the enhanced blood flow. However this usually subsides quickly. After treatment most people report that they feel calm and relaxed; that they sleep better, have more energy and have a general feeling of wellbeing.

The fact that low-powered laser is a non-invasive treatment that can be done in an out-patient clinic makes this type of treatment very popular.
About Author:
Laser Centers for Health provides low level laser therapy to help you quit smoking, lose weight, chronic pain and much more. Located in Victoria, BC they are convenient and professional. Visit online today.